Texas' Big Bend Country

How can I describe this snapshot of our Texas-Mexico border, taken on a trip we made to our Texas Big Bend country, other than spectacular! We were driving Texas' state road 170 heading to Presidio from Terlingua. We were a little spooked since we were the only vehicle on the road.

Along this section of the road, we didn't pass any other cars or trucks. I must say, this desolate part of Texas is just as rugged as it is beautiful! Every curvy turn of this lonely highway presented yet another picture postcard panorama. It would be hard to believe anyone would risk their life crossing such treacherous terrain, but I imagine some have, at one time or another. In the summer, temperatures go well into the hundreds and the dangers of heat exhaustion and death are very real! Diamond-back rattle snakes and scorpions happily make this desert their home -- we never saw any though. We held our breath while traveling on this deserted, stretch of road, not wanting to think of having any engine trouble or a flat tire down out here. There was no cell service, although, my truck does have a reliable CB radio, if we were so lucky to be able to reach another trucker in the event, we were to experience a problem.

We made this trip in 2019, towing our 42' Columbus Compass-series, fifth-wheel RV. We allowed 10 days to our trip and having all the comforts of home, in our comfortable RV, in such a remote, desert-country was great. We enjoyed all the sights and our great, desert adventure! For sure, I would do it again.

Comments

It’s winter – where are all the “gators?”

A bowl of chili, a warm blanket, and maybe a good movie. That’s how we humans handle our cold weather, but what about alligators? How do they deal with the cold in winter? Alligators must have sunlight to warm them up and increase their metabolism. So, when winter temperatures drop below 40 degrees they slow way down, then go into a hibernation-like state. They “brumate” - go into brumation it is called, where their metabolism slows way down. They become lethargic and drop down to the bottom of the river, lake, or pond. Alligators can hold their breath for up to 24 hours! When it’s that cold they surface just long enough to grab a few deep breaths of air and then settle back on the bottom! That’s crazy! Some alligators dig themselves a nice musty smelling hole just above the water table out of the cold. I’ll bet they doze with one eye open just in case a curious critter or human hand pokes around their winter home’s sleeping quarters! I have seen gators 12-14 feet long on our Lake Livi...

The day I almost died

The day I almost died -- there have been others. I’m not a daredevil, but I have lived dangerously many times in my life. On this one morning, I was going about my business. I was on my way to Lowes in Livingston (Texas) to buy some lumber for a deck I was building at the back of our house. This was the day the railroad commission decided to install crossing bars and warning lights at this dangerous railroad crossing. A very smart move! There had been several tragic accidents in the past at this same crossing. Driving along, I was thinking about my shopping list for our deck. Traffic was moderate, it was early in the morning, but ahead cars were slowing down. There were several orange traffic cones placed alongside the road, just before coming to the crossing. The workmen there had on their bright yellow safety vests and were directing the oncoming cars and trucks. Traffic slowed for the construction. I want to add that one of the reasons this crossing was so dangerous was both sid...

"Incoming!" Like A Little Enemy Drone

Here's my story -- brace yourself it's going to get nasty! (A true story) My wife and I were celebrating her birthday. I had chosen a very nice restaurant (not mentioning any name) let's just say it was in Texas to protect the innocent. Reservations were required, well in advance, as this was a very popular eatery! It was crowded that evening, and a long line of hungry patrons waited for their table, each held a little courtesy buzzer that lit up and vibrated when their table was ready. I had reserved a nice table close to a window. We had a great view of the city lights! Our server brought the bottle of wine I had selected for us, it was a nice before dinner wine -- it was elegant. We were presented our menus' and our choices were difficult as every entree and side-order was so described to entice even the most serious vegan or a less-than-hungry diner. I believe that night, I had chosen Escargots a la Bourguignonne as our appetizer. We both enjoy this very traditi...

What's Up Melton?

Search This Blog